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Celeb James Raises Funds for Schools

January 23, 2009

Local business owner and celebrity Jesse James recently donated $60,000 to the Long Beach Education Foundation and will attempt to raise more funds during an upcoming appearance on NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice 2.” The initial donation already is one of the largest that the foundation has ever received.

James owns West Coast Choppers, a custom motorcycle and car shop in Long Beach, and its nearby restaurant Cisco Burger. He also was host of the popular Discovery Channel show, “Monster Garage.”

The donated funds will go toward classes such as auto shop and welding at the middle and high school levels.

“These are classes that kids want to take,” James said. “Somebody needed to step up and do something to give these kids the opportunity to learn some skills.”

James attended Millikan High School and became aware of his talents by taking such classes. He attributes his success to an influential high school teacher.

In 2008, the Education Foundation raised more than $1 million for the school district. Its purpose is to help make certain that all students in the district receive the education they need to succeed.

“Celebrity Apprentice 2” will air at 9 p.m. Sunday, March 1 on NBC.

IT'S A GRIND — Jesse James uses a grinder on a customized motorcycle at his Long Beach shop. The Millikan alum is raising funds for industrial arts classes such as auto shop and welding. James recently donated $60,000 to the nonprofit Long Beach Education Foundation.

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